Since Google purchased the .app Top Level Domain (TLD) – the domains in the same vein as .com, .org etc. in 2015 we’ve been waiting to find out their plans for them. Google has teased their plans in their I/O schedule, and today has announced their availability through an Early Access Program.
Google is launching the .app domain as the ‘first TLD with enforced security’, meaning it will require HTTPS by default. HTTPS is a security focused protocol, allowing protection from ‘ad malware and tracking injection by ISPs, in addition to safeguarding against spying on open WiFi network’.
The .app TLD domain registrations are live from today until May 7th as part of Google’s Early Access Program, before the general public gets access to register domains from May 8th. A number of partners, including sitata.app, cash.app and others are already registered for example.
Google has launched get.app as the landing for developers and anyone wanting to secure their .app TLD. You can search for availability of a .app TLD before connecting with a domain name registrar like GoDaddy, DomainRegistry or even Google Domains to finalise your domain name registration.
If you’re an app developer it’s probably a good idea to grab the domain before it’s snapped up. We’ll likely see a bit more from Google on the .app TLD at Google I/O next week.
I would not be surprised if this becomes the norm with future extensions delegated during the next ICANN round of new top level domains,” said Ward.